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March 31, 2010

Prepare to be Woo'd!

For today's installment of "5 questions with a manbroiderer" I am thrilled to introduce those of you unfamiliar with his work to Howie Woo, aka WooWork on Flickr.

I first came across Howie's work via the Manbroidery pool on Flickr, where he had posted his "All-Thumbs Portable Reviewer" (below) and the series of photos that, essentially, told the story of Howie's day. I was immediately struck not only by Howie's evident talent, but by the colorful personality and abundant whimsy that shines through his work (helped along by his beautiful photographic style). I don't know about you guys, but I absolutely love seeing such crafty talent combined with a healthy sense of humor. And that's what Howie does so well. This guy is hilarious, people!

Those initial photos led me to Howie's photostream and ultimately to his blog, WooWork.com. I soon found myself several hours poorer but several smiles richer, and I was convinced that I wanted to highlight Howie and his work here on Feeling Stitchy. Though more of a yarn crafter than an embroiderer, I just knew our readers would enjoy his work.

It is evident that you are a prolific crafter. What types and styles of crafting do you enjoy, and which would you say is your favorite?

After making 2D movies and 2D drawings for most of my life, it's an addictive thrill to crochet something in plushy 3D!

I don't have a favorite craft, but it's always fun to learn crafty new ways to share stories.

When did you first start making things? How did you become interested in crafting?

Since I was a child, I would wander into yarn aisles and marvel at the wide range of colours and texures. After decades of bugging people to make something yarny for me, I finally tried crocheting when my girlfriend began crocheting scarves in 2008.

How would you describe your style?

I try to keep my stories and creations playful, which is a fun challenge when life isn't always set at "playfulness priority mode"!

It's clear that humor plays a huge role in your work. Can you tell us more about your sense of humor and how it influences your projects?

In person, I don't talk much or tell funny stories (my girlfriend, MJ, is the one who can make a room erupt into laughter), so seeing the reactions to my yarn tales is a rare treat for me.What is your favorite craft project that you've made? That someone else has made?

My latest craft projects are always my favourite, but my favourite craft project from someone else is BitterSweet's rabbit that she crocheted from a paper clip while stuck in a hospital. I admire the idea of making fun things even in grim situations.

Who are the people who inspire you?

My girlfriend, my mom, and the online crochet community have been incredibly supportive. I'm so grateful for their encouragement, and they inspire me to keep learning and to, ideally, keep improving.

Thanks so much for sharing your work with us, Howie!

Do you know any manbroiderers that should be featured here on Feeling Stitchy? Do you have any questions that you'd like our manbroiderers to answer? If so, please leave me a comment below!

I found out about Howie when he did his raining cats & dogs in Vancouver. Was walking down the street one day and did a real double take. His little raindrop critters brightened up my day and made me smile.

Howie's site is the first I go to online... His whimsy and talent are a sure thing to brighten up anyone's day. I'm glad he's getting to be popular out here in the WWW. He deserves all the accolades he can get